NAF Recovers Cockpit Voice Recorder From Fatal Ondo ATR-42 Crash Site

The Nigerian Air Force has recovered the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) from the scene of the fatal ATR-42 aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State, as investigations into the accident continue.

The Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja.

Ejodame said technical teams from the NAF and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau had confirmed that the recovered recorder was intact.

He added that part of the Flight Data Recorder (FDR), another component commonly associated with aircraft black boxes, had also been retrieved, while efforts were ongoing to locate and recover the remaining portion.

The Air Force spokesperson disclosed that additional aircraft wreckage, engine components and human remains had also been recovered from the crash site.

According to him, recovery operations were continuing in difficult swamp terrain, with teams working to retrieve outstanding aircraft components and support the necessary technical examinations.

He said the investigation was being conducted carefully to ensure that its findings were comprehensive and based on available evidence.

Ejodame also said the recovery exercise involved careful handling of human remains, with the Directorate of Identification and Classification carrying out procedures to ensure proper identification.

He added that the Air Force had maintained contact with the families of the victims to provide information and support during the recovery process.

The NAF spokesperson further disclosed that discussions with relevant authorities over environmental concerns raised by the host community remained part of the response.

He appealed for patience and understanding, noting that recovery and investigation activities required time, coordination and professional attention.

According to him, the ultimate objective was not only to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash but also to identify lessons that could improve aviation safety and protect military personnel and members of the public.

The accident occurred on October 5, 2026, when a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft with registration number NAF 931 crashed in a swampy area near Igbokoda in the Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The aircraft was reportedly travelling from Benin City to Lagos on a routine mission when air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13am.

All 25 people on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers, died in the crash.

Following the tragedy, President Bola Tinubu declared three days of national mourning as recovery operations continued in the difficult terrain.